Today we’d like to introduce you to Ashley Hoskins.
Ashley, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
I’ve been a lover of literature since a young girl. My fondest memories of reading take me back to the 4th grade when I was introduced to The Babysitter’s Club series. In addition to literature, I am very inspired by the arts and humanities. I also live a life dedicated to service and connecting with those in my community. In late spring of 2019, I began on a journey to discover how to connect my passion for literature to my desire to serve the community that I love dearly. One morning, I came across an article on Oprah.com that featured a story about a mobile library in Brooklyn, New York that features books written by Black women. “Genius!”, is what I thought. The Free Black Women’s Library perfectly articulated how I could be able to achieve my goal of connecting passion to purpose. After several attempts at reaching out to the library’s founder, Olaronke Akinmowo, I received her blessing to charter a Houston chapter of The Free Black Women’s Library.
The day after my 36th birthday, I created an Instagram page and announced that Houston would be the newest addition to The Free Black Women’s Library chapters. There are additional chapters in Atlanta, Los Angeles, Detroit, and the original in Brooklyn. Everything I do is intentional and with purpose. Our first event was a book donation drive hosted at my friend’s Airbnb on Sunday, December 29, 2019. I set that date to coincide with the Kwanzaa principle, Ujamaa, which means “cooperative economics” I orchestrated a gathering of over 20 women who came with loads of books written by Black women. We sat around a dinner table and ate charcuterie, drank wine, and shared stories about our love for the dynamic Black women authors who have shaped our lives. It was at that moment that I knew the work I hoped to do for the community was valued and desired.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
My vision for The Free Black Women’s Library was to host pop-ups at local Black-owned businesses around town. Our first book exchange was scheduled to happen on May 3, 2020 at a beautiful home in the Montrose area that was owned by a company who valued and supported the work of community service organizations. A month before the event was scheduled to happen, the city forced businesses to close due to the COVID pandemic and I got word that I would have to cancel the event. Against my desires, but in order to remain relevant, I hosted an online book discussion on bell hook’s “All About Love: New Visions” on the scheduled date. I was pleased to see people from across the globe appear on the Zoom platform eager to chat about bell hooks’ most treasured book to date. COVID came and changed all of our lives. I became discouraged and almost lost hope. I was uncertain about how to keep my promise to the community and give them access to books written by Black women.
After months in lockdown, the city began to slowly open back up. Even though businesses began to operate again, they were still limiting the number of patrons inside. They certainly were not ready to host events with masses of people coming and going. Eager to connect with people, I hosted our first book exchange on the front lawn of the duplex I was renting in Third Ward. It was a success! It made me feel proud to know that women from across the city traveled to my home ready to exchange books written by Black women. It was up from there. I used my time during the pandemic to engage in forming relationships with business owners and respected individuals within the community. I began partnering with these people and hosted pop-ups around town. The Free Black Women’s Library survived COVID. I am proud to say that we not only survived, we thrived.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I consider myself a jack of all trades. My professional career has led me to take on some amazing roles. I’ve done everything from teaching, oil and gas, college access, legal, government, and retail. I like to think that my versatility in career roles has given me the ability to develop into a well-rounded individual. I am a very spiritual person. I believe that everything has meaning. Being still and meditating award me the privilege of listening to guidance from the divine. I find inspiration in all things the universe has gifted us with. When I sit on my balcony and watch the strikingly beautiful red cardinal flying from tree to tree, I know that my angels in heaven are supporting me. The artistry of who I am and what I do lie in my ability to connect to divine source energy. My spiritual work include divination practices such as: tarot, numerology, and astrology. I like to say that, “self-discovery is my soul’s compass.” I believe that my spiritual practices are the reason why I have been able to define and work in my life’s purpose. My friends say that I am “zen.” My home has over 30 house plants that I care for like they are my children. When guests come to visit my home, they are welcomed by smooth sounds of Afrobeats, fragrant air of either a candle or incense, wine or cocktails, and a home-cooked meal. I love to entertain. Fellowship, friends, and family are at the core of who am I and what I do. My social life is very important to me. I expand and grow through my personal connections. All of my close relationships feed my soul and creativity. Each friend adds to my personal development in a unique way. I am grateful for my circle.
Can you talk to us a bit about the role of luck?
Ha! I guess I will use this opportunity to mention the role astrology has played in shaping and developing my path forward. Before I knew that I would find interest in celestial things, I deemed Jupiter as my favorite planet. As a student in elementary school, I love reading about and discussing the largest planet in our solar system. In addition to Jupiter being my favorite planet, I have acknowledged Thursday as my favorite day of the week. It is something about Thursdays that makes me happy. Maybe it’s the knowing that the weekend is just a day away. The energy of Thursdays have always been light and fun to me. It wasn’t until I got deep into my astrological studies that I learned that the days of the week are not only named after planets, but that each day has a ruling planet. Guess what day of the week Jupiter rules, yep, it’s Thursday! I also learned that I was born on Thursday, Jupiter’s Day! In astrology, Jupiter is the great benefactor, the lucky planet. Everything that Jupiter touches, it blesses. Learning this, I designated Thursday as my manifesting day. I often fast on Thursday and seek out spiritual guidance. Being born on Jupiter’s Day, I like to consider myself to be very lucky. I feel like that’s why I have been blessed with connection and community so that I am able to do the work I do.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: @thefreeblackwomenslibrary_htx
- Facebook: The Free Black Women’s Library – Houston Chapter
Image Credits
Sarah Ontiveros
